Name: Pamela Stavinoga
Profession: Novelist
After a business career, Pamela Stavinoga now spends most of her time volunteering. She won Lincolnwood’s 2012 Madeleine Grant Award for Volunteerism and is president of the Friends of the Lincolnwood Library. She is also a published author, with two adult books and an eBook for children. Her fourth book will be released next year.
1. How long have you lived in Lincolnwood? Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, the third largest city in the state and about as different from Lincolnwood as you can get. I’ve lived here now for about 25 years and my husband has lived here for 50.
2. What is your favorite thing about the Lincolnwood community? What do you do when you’re not working or volunteering?
My favorite thing is the diversity and the amount of people who care about their community. I volunteer at the OCWW Writer’s Workshop, am a docent at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, play the Native American flute with Healing Earth Circle, sing for the Niles Center Senior Choir, and am president of the Friends of the Library, so I’m busy! But when I’m not out and about, I do a lot of gardening. I have nine garden beds. I like to relax at home, paint, and write.
3. What is your favorite book, or a book that you recently enjoyed?
I don’t read books; I’m dyslexic so it takes me forever to finish one. I think I’m built upside down. I have four degrees (in Chemistry, Business Management, Human Services, and Computer Systems) but I still hate reading. Being dyslexic did curb my appetite for books. But then, there is the man that created ketchup who didn’t like tomatoes.
4. What are you most proud of and why? How would you like to be remembered?
I’ve found common ground with my God. From this, I can say it is my faith that gives me my drive in life. Receiving my master’s degree is the next thing I’m proud of achieving. In my immediate family, I was the first to do so. And the publication of my first book – People of Difference, was something I never thought would happen. I’d like to be remembered as a person who cared.
5. What is one interesting fact about you that few people know?
I’ve always been a perfectionist. I have a thing for details, the little things that make things work well. I’m also very shy!
Pamela, your shyness comes thru to those of us that know you. I feel fortunate to be one of those folks. You are a great addition to our Friends Group AND to our community. Caring is a big part of who you are. No worry, you will be remembered for that In friendship, April